IDESA DOULA
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The Cat Research
One story that deeply touched me and made me reflect on how we not only approach birth, but women's health in general, is about a study involving cats giving birth. Cats instinctively seek out dark, quiet places to deliver their kittens – often hiding under a bed or in the deepest corner of a closet. This behavior helps them feel safe and relaxed, allowing the birth to unfold naturally.
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A group of scientists wanted to study how cats give birth so they could help them. To do this, cats had to give birth in a laboratory setting so the scientists could study them. They were put in brightly lit cages, attached to monitors, and surrounded by researchers and other birthing cats. The stress of this unnatural environment had a significant impact: the cats became distressed, and their labor slowed down and even stopped. Many of the kittens were born with complications, such as oxygen deprivation.
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This sounded all too familiar to me. When we disrupt a mother’s natural instincts by introducing bright lights, distractions, or too many interventions, it can create stress and interfere with the normal flow of labor. This is why it’s so important to create a calm, safe, and supportive environment for both the mother and baby during birth.
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This story is from an article called "Out of the Laboratory: Back to the Darkened Room" in 2002 by Tricia Anderson, an influential midwife. You can find the original article here.​
Why the Birth Environment Matters
What is a doula?
A doula is a compassionate birth companion, dedicated to support mothers and families through the journey of pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum. We offer emotional, physical, and informational support, and we will stay with you throughout the whole labor. Doulas create a grounding, safe space for mothers to trust their female instincts, embrace their feminine power, and welcome their babies in a way that feels empowering and right for them. Doulas have tools that may help you feel more comfortable during labor, with a focus on balacing your body and energy.
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We are not here to take away the intensity of birth or to "save" you from the experience. Instead, we stand beside you—holding space, offering guidance, and ensuring that you feel supported in every choice you make. No matter what path your birth takes, you don't have to walk it alone.
The History of Doulas
The word doula comes from ancient Greek, meaning "woman who serves." Though the term is modern, the role itself dates back to prehistoric times. For centuries, women never faced birth alone. They were supported by those who had given or attended birth before and who possessed knowledge passed down through generations. In many cultures, birthing women were surrounded by mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, midwives, or the wise women of the community. Before the rise of hospital births and medical interventions in the early 1900s, these birth attendants played a crucial role in easing labor, offering guidance, reasurrance, and ensuring a safe birth.
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The modern doula profession began to take shape in the 1960s during the natural childbirth movement in the United States, in response to the often impersonal and medicalized approach to hospital births, aiming to restore women’s autonomy and holistic support in childbirth. By the 1990s, doula training organizations were established, and the role became more widely recognized. Today, doulas continue this timeless tradition, blending ancient wisdom with modern knowledge to help birthing women navigate their unique journeys.
The Power of Nature The Wisdom of Spirit
Birth is raw, instinctual, and deeply connected to both the body and the soul. It is not something to be controlled but something to be surrendered to. It is an ancient rhythm that flows through you. As doulas, we honor this connection by helping you tap into your innate strength, intuition, and spirituality.
Offering grounding techniques, breathwork, movement, mindful rituals, and other natural coping methods, we walk beside you as you surrender to the flow of labor in a way that feels right for you. In birth, as in life, strength is not about resistance—it is about trust. When you trust yourself, your body, and the sacred journey of bringing life into the world, you awaken the wisdom that has always been within you.
Doula Care for Medical Births
Birth takes many forms, and not all births go as planned, but every birth can be empowering. Whether you are navigating medical interventions, an induction, or a planned or unexpected cesarean, you don't have to do it alone. In medical births, doulas hold space, offer comfort, and ensure your voice is heard.
I offer grounding techniques, guided breathwork, support with position changes, or simply a steady presence, helping to create a calm and centered environment so you can stay connected to your experience—one where you feel safe and deeply cared for.
No matter the path your birth takes, you are strong, and you are not alone. Doulas help you navigate your birth with confidence, peace, and unwavering support.​
What does a doula do?
Emotional Support
A doula provides continuous support and a compassionate presence with encouragement and reassurance throughout pregnancy and labor. We listen to your concerns and help create a comforting and safe environment, so you feel confident and empowered every step of your birth journey.
Physical Support
Doulas use comfort techniques such as massage, breathing exercises, accupressure and positioning guidance to help manage labor discomfort. Having many tools, we adapt to your needs. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible and balance your body to help you navigate labor with greater ease.
Informational Support
A doula offers evidence-based information on pregnancy, labor, and postpartum options. We can answer your questions, refer you to health care and help you understand your choices. We advocate for your birth plan, so you feel prepared, informed, and supported as you welcome your baby.
Medical Care
A doula does not provide medical care, make diagnoses, or perform medical procedures. Our role is to provide non-medical support, working alongside your healthcare team to ensure your emotional and physical needs are met. The responsibility for your medical needs lies with your doctor, midwife, or nurse.
Give Advice
A doula does not offer medical or personal advice. Instead, we provide evidence-based information to help you understand your options so that you can make informed decisions. A doula supports your choices without judgement so that you can feel empowered throughout your journey. ​
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Replace your Partner
A doula does not replace your partner, but rather works together them, enhancing their role and helping both of you feel more confident and connected throughout the birth experience. We help your partner be more present and involved without the pressure of managing everything on their own.
What does a doula NOT do?
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The birth partner's role is to be a calm, steady presence in the storm of labor, guiding the birthing woman with love, patience, and understanding.
~ Penny Simkin, the Birth Partner
The Doula Effect
Scientific evidence on the positive effects of doula support
The doula effect refers to the proven benefits of continuous, non-medical support during childbirth. Studies have shown that having a doula present can lead to shorter labors, fewer medical interventions, reduced need for pain relief, and a more positive birth experience overall.
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The latest systematic review conducted by Bohren et al. (2017) examined how the effects of labor support varied based on who provided that support.
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The findings revealed that the most significant benefits occurred when the support came from someone who was neither part of the hospital staff nor within the woman's personal social network, focusing solely on providing one-on-one supportive care. In this study, the doula attended only the birth without any prior prenatal visits, meaning the birthing woman did not have a personal relationship with the doula.
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The researchers discovered that, overall, individuals who received continuous support from a trained doula during childbirth experienced the following benefits:
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Read more: Evidence on: Doulas
39%
decrease in the risk of Cesarean
15%
increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
10%
decrease in the use of any pain relief medications
